MAMA PICKS: bpa-free bottles and sippies

By now, you've probably been noticing that more and more children's products are being labeled "BPA-free". I've read enough from real news outlets to be concerned, since I have kids still using bottles and/or sippy cups made of plastic. There was a recent study on this chemical that was found in many popular baby bottles and sippies, and the bottom line is that it can leach into liquids if the plastic is heated (i.e. if you use a dishwasher/microwave) or if the bottles are old or scratched. BPA is an environmental estrogen that can affect development, reproduction, and other scary stuff. Read more here. Despite this research, BPA is still sold at most stores.

We set out to find the best of the best in BPA-free bottles and sippies. Here are some of our favorites:

Sippy Cups:

Sigg has a great sports-style sippy made of aluminum and totally BPA free. They are super light-weight, and have an easy twist top feature that makes them non-spill, but are also easy enough for my kids to use them unassisted! The only bummer is that now I am more concerned about the bottles being left at the park than my kids being kidnapped. (They are about $17, after all!)

Foogo's line of children’s cups are made of stainless steel and plastics that do not contain Bisophenol A (BPA). The sippy cup for younger kids comes with or without handles and a larger version with a straw is available for older children. They are dishwasher safe too, which is a big plus in our house. Made by Thermos, Foogo sippies will keep drinks cooler longer, with less risk of spoiling in the hot sun.

Klean Kanteen has designed a special adapter that works with Avent’s™ patented sippy cup spout. Just like every other Klean Kanteen, this 12 oz bottle is made from 100% recyclable, high-quality, food- grade stainless steel so it doesn’t need a special lining like some other metal bottles. It’s completely BPA-free and won’t leach chemicals, toxins, or funky flavors into your baby’s water or juice. It’s designed for small hands, making it easy to hold. And the large-mouth makes cleaning as simple as a quick scrub with soap and water or a rinse in the dishwasher.

Bottles:
Born Free - Born Free bottles are made of Polyamide PA, a form of nylon, instead of polycarbonate-containing plastic. Born Free also uses a venting system which reduces vacuum pressure, which helps eliminate gas, spit up, and colic symptoms. Born Free also has a glass bottle option.

Think baby bottles are free of bisphenol-A (BPA), lead, PVC, phthalates and nitrosamines. They have a soft silicone anti-colic nipple to reduce incidence of gas and spit up, and they are dishwasher safe with an easy to hold design. Their products are even packaged in reycled materials, and we love the simple design and smart-looking orange logo.

Adiri Natural Nurser bottles have the only nipple truly shaped like a mother's breast. It is made from phthalate-free and BPA-free materials, and a unique Petal vent that helps reduce colic A sleek cover protects the bottle from getting dirty and keeps the nipple from leaking during transport. The Adiri Natural Nurser comes in three stages for three different flow rates and is color coded by flow rate (stage 1, white; stage 2, blue; stage 3, orange). Each stage holds 8 oz. of fluid and is dishwasher safe. This is the perfect option for babies being transitioned from exclusive breastfeeding.

Wee*go Glass Bottles - Lifefactory has reintroduced the glass baby bottle with a new design and safety twist: the bottle is covered with a modern silicone sleeve that will help protect the bottle from breakage and also prevent bumping into other articles in your diaper bag. This silicone sleeve is free of plastics and is 100% non-toxic. The bottle and the sleeve can be boiled or put in the dishwasher together. The sleeve provides a good gripping surface during feeding and also a great tactile experience for your baby. And they are adorable!